Two words that seem to always get my attention in scripture are, But you.
I guess it’s because it seems like God is speaking directly to me. 2 Timothy 4:5 says, “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry”. Here, we see Paul closes out this letter to his mentee, Timothy, with his final instruction of his calling.
- But you, be sober in all things.
- But you, endure hardship.
- But you, do the work of an evangelist.
- But you, fulfill your ministry.
It is the same for us, God transfers His power over to you and me to accomplish more than we could ever imagine or think according to His power within us.
Just as Timothy was encouraged by Paul, so does God’s word encourages us to be faithful to the work that has been entrusted to us. It is more than just punching a time clock in ministry to the Lord, but it’s fulfilling what He asks of you and me. Often this isn’t a calling to be a pastor or missionary to Africa, although, it could be. Instead, it’s being faithful to proclaim Jesus at your workplace, your neighborhood or with family. We may be called to something specific for a few months and move to something else for the next 50 years of the same thing. But you can’t let anything deter you from what God has called you to do.
But you, fulfill your ministry.
Yes, your ministry. Not someone else’s ministry; only yours. Stay in your lane. Obedience is your responsibility and the outcome is God’s. Obedience shows you trust Him to accomplish all that He asks. Press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)
You be the living expression of God’s Love
You be the living expression of God’s Joy
You be the living expression of God’s Peace
You be the living expression of God’s Patience
You be the living expression of God’s Kindness
You be the living expression of God’s Goodness
You be the living expression of God’s Gentleness
You be the living expression of God’s Faithfulness
You be the living expression of God’s Self Control
When we walk in the Spirit, you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. But you will be the difference in the lives of others (Galatians 5:16).
Now, go fulfill all that God has for you, exercise your gift (Romans 12:6) and kindle afresh the gift within you (2 Timothy 1:6).
Journeying with Him,